2005-01: Continuation of drug therapy upon discontinuance of a practitioner's practice

POLICY 2005-01

Department of Public Health, Drug Control Program and Board of Registration in Pharmacy Joint Policy Continuation of drug therapy upon discontinuance of a practitioner's practice

When a pharmacist becomes aware that a practitioner, or other person authorized to prescribe in accordance with M. G. L. c. 94C, has ceased to practice for any reason and that the practitioner-patient relationship has ended, existing drug therapy may still need to be continued. Therefore, a pharmacist may, pursuant to a prescription previously issued by that practitioner or other authorized prescriber and in the exercise of good professional judgment, dispense remaining refills of a prescription up to a maximum ninety day supply, to enable the patient to establish a relationship with another practitioner. Refills authorized pursuant to this policy may not be dispensed in quantities greater than a thirty day supply in a single filling, except where patient insurance coverage requires dispensing of a sixty or ninety day supply.